Toxic Laundry

It is startling to me to see how many people are oblivious to the dangers of commercial laundry detergents. The vast majority of the folks I know still purchase their detergent based on their favourite brand and its smell, or on which one is on sale. If you also do, then please take the time to read till the end.

Commercial laundry detergents contain pollutants, chemicals, and artificial preservatives, all toxic to human health as well the environment. They leave a chemical residue on the clothing, which is in turn absorbed by our skin and inhaled into our lungs throughout the day, as some of these chemicals emit fumes. They are then released in the environment within the water from your washing machine, poisoning nature, plants and animals. Some even end up in the septic tanks, where they inhibit the effectiveness of the organic bacteria, supposed to break down waste in the septic systems.

Take a good look at the ingredient label on your laundry detergent. These are the ingredients you want to stay away from:

• Surfractants is not only one ingredient but a reference to a number of different chemical ingredients. Surfactants can release benzene, a toxin linked to cancer and reproductive disorders. It is also known to disrupt your body’s natural hormone function.
• Chlorine, ammonia, petrochemicals and phosphates are endocrine disruptors and thus dangerous for the human body. Phosphates are also extremely poisonous on fish and the environment.
• Synthetic dyes, fragrances and perfumes can both cause skin outbreaks and other allergic reactions.
• As well as EDTA, Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates, Petroleum Distillates, Optical Brighteners, Quanternium-15, Nonlphenol Ethoxylate, Diethanolamine, Polyalkylene Glycol, Ethylene Oxide, Fragances, Benzene, and stabilizers.

What to do:

1. Do look at the ingredient label on the laundry detergent before you buy it and stay away from any toxic ingredient listed above.
2. Purchase a natural nontoxic laundry detergent. The use of completely natural ingredients, minerals, and components mean that natural laundry detergents are completely safe for you, for the environment and biodegradable.
3. Make your own nontoxic laundry detergent, which is supposedly the cheapest option. There are many easy recipes available out there. I must admit I have not tried any yet, as I am happy with the natural nontoxic detergent I purchase.

In Conclusion:

Well, you should choose to make the change to a nontoxic laundry detergent for two reasons. The first one is that, simply put, a natural laundry detergent or soap is just better for you and your health. And the second reason is that it’s also better for the environment and every living creature.